I'm making a jump from the music business to training and have been interviewing at a few gyms in the area, however I'm finding landing the job to be more difficult than anticipated.
I had a third interview at one place but no further word from them and the PT Manager hasn't returned my call for two days now (which seems quite inconsiderate).
Though I have no previous experience employed as a PT at a gym, I do have a CSCS and have done some privates. I've taught martial arts and have worked full-time as a teacher, and do enjoy working with people - skills I would think gyms value (am I wrong?).
I also make it clear I value continuing education; attending conferences, classes etc... in other words am looking to improve upon my knowledge and skill as a trainer.
It's strange as I've never had problems previously with landing jobs once I've gotten to the interview stage. I dress well, speak clearly, am positive etc... the usual protocol.
Might any of you offer some advice on ways in which to better appeal to PT Managers that I'm missing?
Might it be a turnoff that I state someday I'd like to run my own facility (instead of becoming their director of operations)?
Thanks in advance,
Chris
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Working "hard," or the perception of working hard, doesn't really mean anything. Sweating, vomiting, and breathing hard could be a good workout or a tropical disease kicking in.-Dan John
Who really cares if you can train people well, can you bring in money. Do they want you to continue your education, or use their in house protocol for training clients? Talk to trainers before you interview to see how things work at the particular gym.
And good luck man, I hope it works out well for you.
Yes selling skills are a big factor for sure, and has been discussed in interviews. I made them aware of my background in sales & marketing as well as people skills. I know they may not be looking for the best trainer but rather someone that can attract $$$. The PT manager at one of these chains started as a trainer there less than two years ago, so... it's not hard to see how that works.
One of the gyms has templates they like trainers to work off (though I know many of the trainers don't) and made it clear I'm open to learning their way.
Just trying to figure out if it's something on my end or simply not hitting the right places at the right time, or some combination of the above.
We'll see how the next one goes later this afternoon.
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Working "hard," or the perception of working hard, doesn't really mean anything. Sweating, vomiting, and breathing hard could be a good workout or a tropical disease kicking in.-Dan John
As someone (as you know) who works for one of those chains, it is hard. I personally think I got hired because I have the 'look' to be a trainer, not necessarily to sell or even the knowledge (taking NSCA-CPT this month). Anyway, someday I'd like to open up my own facility and I'va made it clear, but personally I dont see the chain (I know which one you're looking at--as we;ve discussed via PM) as my future. I am using it for what it is, a foot in the door in the fitness industry. While at my current job I've met a great trainer, who I'm planning on writing a book/doing a DVD with but I can honestly say that if you don't get a job at the specific chain, dont get down because it's not always what you know...I have a ton of people on my staff who aren't even cert'd....PM me if u need more info.
Yesterday I had an interview at a place that focuses more on training athletes, which I thought went pretty well. We'll see.
Keith, yeah I'm not depending on getting hired at that one place, especially after how they've handled it. I just wanna get my foot in the door and expand my knowledge and skills from there.
Since you bring up the look issue, I'm wondering....I'm in shape, have a shaved head, and look like I've touched the weights so maybe it's my age (34) as a new trainer?
I'm aware managers may think it strange a 30-something guy working in music wants to be a trainer but I've been careful to address that.
__________________
Working "hard," or the perception of working hard, doesn't really mean anything. Sweating, vomiting, and breathing hard could be a good workout or a tropical disease kicking in.-Dan John
Yesterday I had an interview at a place that focuses more on training athletes, which I thought went pretty well. We'll see.
Keith, yeah I'm not depending on getting hired at that one place, especially after how they've handled it. I just wanna get my foot in the door and expand my knowledge and skills from there.
Since you bring up the look issue, I'm wondering....I'm in shape, have a shaved head, and look like I've touched the weights so maybe it's my age (34) as a new trainer?
I'm aware managers may think it strange a 30-something guy working in music wants to be a trainer but I've been careful to address that.
You definately look the part.
However, your working in music may throw them off. Try telling them that you're really an actor or a screenwriter. They are more familiar with those roles, as most of the servers and valets in your area are in those professions, already.
I don't think my head is big enough, nor am I short enough to pass as an actor though
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Working "hard," or the perception of working hard, doesn't really mean anything. Sweating, vomiting, and breathing hard could be a good workout or a tropical disease kicking in.-Dan John
Thanks JP. If it weren't for my wife's educational ambitions here I'd jump at your offer. I wouldn't mind leaving L.A..
Nope, never worked at Alwyn's.
Any help would be appreciated if you do know anyone in this area.
__________________
Working "hard," or the perception of working hard, doesn't really mean anything. Sweating, vomiting, and breathing hard could be a good workout or a tropical disease kicking in.-Dan John
suprise - the gen manager of the first gym I interviewed twice at called back to set up another interview. Guess the first 2 didn't go bad afterall.
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Working "hard," or the perception of working hard, doesn't really mean anything. Sweating, vomiting, and breathing hard could be a good workout or a tropical disease kicking in.-Dan John
My interview consisted of one question: 'So, why do you want to train?'
And then I was hired. It's a typical commercial facility. This week I have a recieved a few text messages from my boss about how we need another $12,000 and that in order to reach this goal we 'should be hustlin'
My interview consisted of one question: 'So, why do you want to train?'
And then I was hired. It's a typical commercial facility. This week I have a recieved a few text messages from my boss about how we need another $12,000 and that in order to reach this goal we 'should be hustlin'
LMAO.
That sounds like the place I just left.
My interview was a joke. He was shocked that I brought in a resume. He didn't know what a CSCS was, but thought that "...it must be important since you have a Master's, too".
Then he told me to start using clen and doing two hours of cardio a day so that I could drop 20 lbs and "look like a trainer".
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Isaac Wilkins, M.Ed, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, and who cares what other letters?
My interview consisted of one question: 'So, why do you want to train?'
And then I was hired. It's a typical commercial facility. This week I have a recieved a few text messages from my boss about how we need another $12,000 and that in order to reach this goal we 'should be hustlin'
Another interview at the first place apparently went well as I am officially in the door. Thanks for the advice everyone, I kept all of it in mind during the process.
Chris
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Working "hard," or the perception of working hard, doesn't really mean anything. Sweating, vomiting, and breathing hard could be a good workout or a tropical disease kicking in.-Dan John
Thanks guys. Gonna be training full-time and doing music part time. Just gonna put out records by artists I'm interested in working with. I've been thinking about doing that for some time but this past year made the decision clear. The music industry isn't exactly booming these days. Of all my associates/friends working in music it's easier to count how many didn't lose their jobs last year.
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Working "hard," or the perception of working hard, doesn't really mean anything. Sweating, vomiting, and breathing hard could be a good workout or a tropical disease kicking in.-Dan John
Chris, how many people can say that the earn a living doing two things they are passionate about? Now if you could only work surfing lessons into the deal you'd be the happiest guy in the whole USA.
Chris, how many people can say that the earn a living doing two things they are passionate about? Now if you could only work surfing lessons into the deal you'd be the happiest guy in the whole USA.
Funny you should say that because one goal of mine is to eventually offer some surfing-specific training. There are so many people picking up surfing in their 30's-50's as well as avid surfers that develop imbalances from only surfing that need some help - I've already been doing that with friends.
As Danny noticed immediately when he was out here everyone out in the lineup has some kyphotic posture happening.
And as it happens the gym I'm working at is one block from Santa Monica beach.
But first things first.
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Working "hard," or the perception of working hard, doesn't really mean anything. Sweating, vomiting, and breathing hard could be a good workout or a tropical disease kicking in.-Dan John
The ones I've seen on the market are so f**king cheesy I wanna stomp them into the floor everytime.
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Working "hard," or the perception of working hard, doesn't really mean anything. Sweating, vomiting, and breathing hard could be a good workout or a tropical disease kicking in.-Dan John
Funny you should say that because one goal of mine is to eventually offer some surfing-specific training. There are so many people picking up surfing in their 30's-50's as well as avid surfers that develop imbalances from only surfing that need some help - I've already been doing that with friends.
As Danny noticed immediately when he was out here everyone out in the lineup has some kyphotic posture happening.
And as it happens the gym I'm working at is one block from Santa Monica beach.
But first things first.
I didn't get a chance to say anthing before, but Congrats man! Thats awesome. You are going to kick ass.
I really think that being a bit older can really help, especially if you still look in great shape. People look at me and see a young kid that they don't want to listen too. They also feel like I can't relate to what its like to age and all that annoying stuff. I can overcome it most of the time but not always. Our older trainers (late 20's to 30's...I am not trying to call you old ) do much better with gaining potential clients trust early on.
Good luck.
Danny
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Limitations are for people who have them.
Thanks Danny and I know what you mean. A client being able to relate is a big deal. I've noticed that especially those with knee and back troubles (just about everyone) perk up when I say yeah I've had such and such problems too but heres how it can be addressed.
Man, I'm telling you you should get out here immediately. It's such a good market and your abilities are light years ahead of most every trainer I've come across. And the Desperate Houswive's type would hire you in a second
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Working "hard," or the perception of working hard, doesn't really mean anything. Sweating, vomiting, and breathing hard could be a good workout or a tropical disease kicking in.-Dan John
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